Common Name:

General Information

Passiflora mayarum is a perennial climbing plant, growing into the surrounding vegetation and attaching itself by means of tendrils[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

C. America - Beliza, Guatemala to southeastern Mexico (Yucatán Peninsula)

Habitat

Usually found in open or partially open vegetation on well-drained soils, sometimes found in somewhat swampy conditions amongst Escaob Palms (Cryosophila spacies); at elevations up to 550 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Passiflora species generally grow best in a sheltered, sunny position or in dappled shade. Most species are found in the wild in moist but well-drained soils, generally of a lighter texture, and will often flower and fruit more heavily if the soil fertility is low. They often develop deep roots and can be moderately tolerant of dry spells. Most Passiflora species prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil, growing best where the pH is around 6. 5 - 7.5[, ].

Edible Uses

Fruit[]. The pulp surrounding the seeds is eaten. The greenish-yellow to yellow, ellipsoid fruit is around 75 - 90mm x 45 - 50mm[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Passiflora mayarum is probably genetically close enough to the commercially important Passiflora edulis Sims to warrant investigation into using it as a rootstock or as a source of genetic improvement for the commercial passionfruit. It is especially notable that P. mayarum has been collected growing in warm wet soil, the kind of conditions that induce fungus-related failure of the commercial crop[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe along with the pulp which will help break down the seed coat and speed up germination[]. Stored seed should be soaked for 24 hours in warm water and germination time can be reduced if the seed is then mixed with the juice of a fresh passion fruit (of any species)[]. Even so, it can take 12 months for stored seed to germinate[]. Place the seed tray in a shady position, maintaining a temperature around 19 - 24°c[]. Prick the seedlings out into individual containers as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out when large enough[].
Cuttings of young shoots, taken at the nodes. The cuttings root best in a neutral to slightly acid compost, but 100% sharp sand also produces good results[].
Cuttings of fully mature wood taken at a node. They can take 3 months[].
Layering. Very easy[].
Air layering.

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